Dr.Shrutakirty Parida

Dr.Snehalata Dash, Dr.Somyashree Samal

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effect of low-dose atropine (0.01%) on choroidal thickness in children with myopia progression.
Study design: Prospective case-control study
Materials and methods: A total of 87 children aged 5-16 years with bilateral progressive myopia were recruited and randomly assigned into 2 groups. Spherical equivalence, axial length, and choroidal thickness (sub-foveal and at 1500 and 3000 microns nasal and temporal to fovea) were documented at baseline,1 month,3 months, and 6 months.44 children in group A received treatment with once-daily dosing of 0.01& atropine at bedtime, while 43 children in group B received a placebo eyedrop.
Results: Children in group A showed a significant increase in overall choroidal thickness at 3 and 6 months (11+/-9.67) and (18+/-13.43) microns with a decreased progression of myopia.
Conclusion: Low-dose atropine induced a significant choroidal thickening effect which was associated with slower progression of myopia in the treatment group.